Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the signing of FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny. No official confirmation has appeared on the Arsenal website – however Wenger said last night in his press conference after the enthralling 3-3 draw with Liverpool that the deal had been completed.
According to Sky Sports, the 23-year-old is currently in London to complete the remaining procedures and he is expected to sign a four and half year contract, after Elneny completed a medical
Wenger is also hopeful that Elneny will be eligible to play for Arsenal against away against Stoke – a traditionally hard match for Wenger’s men.
Wenger said: “He [Elneny] has joined us and we will see if he can qualify for Sunday.”
Speaking on Monday, Wenger said it appeared that Arsenal had encountered problems with obtaining a work permit for Elneny – due to the FA’s new guidelines.
Wenger said: “I expect Mohamed yes, we are positive that this week it can happen,
“The situation should be sorted out. There are a lot of work permit problems and special paperwork to do, (the) visa, so we hope we can finalise it this week.
“As long as it is not definitely signed, you have to be cautious, but I am optimistic about the case.”
Elneny will give Wenger’s midfield a much needed boost following a series of injuries to key men. He has helped Basel win three successive league titles in Switzerland – but it will be interesting to see how he copes with the intensity of the Premier League.
https://twitter.com/FansofArsenal2/status/687531345036247040
*Update:
The club have now officially confirmed the signing of Elneny for a fee believed to be of around £5m on a four and half year contract.
It’s official! @ElNennyM has joined @Arsenal https://t.co/EXB8o9Fbu6 #ElnenySigns pic.twitter.com/DWHoBL7DtB
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 14, 2016
Arsenal revealed pictures of Elneny on the clubs official site and Elneny himself was delighted at the prospect of playing at the Emirates stadium.
PICTURES: Check out the first images of @ElNennyM in an @Arsenal shirt: https://t.co/WFHfZcdVte pic.twitter.com/sJXi2Zfv6x
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 14, 2016
Elneny should be available to make his Gunners debut in their Premier League match away to Stoke City.